Which Players Might Be Traded At The Draft?As always, draft day has produced a wave of trade rumors. We examine who could be on the move and who may be of interest to the Rangers...

Tomas Kaberle is once again at the forefront of trade conversations

As the draft approaches the trade rumor mill has begun to churn over-time.Each year significant players
are moved as the draft provides a valuable currency, picks, and a unique forum
for team executives to mingle.In recent
years, some big names have moved on draft day.In 2006 Roberto Luongo, Todd Bertuzzi, Alex Tanguay, Jordan Leopold,
Pavol Demitra, and Tuukka Rask changed homes; in 2007 Florida acquired Tomas
Vokoun; in 2008, Olli Jokinen and Mike Cammalleriwere
dealt, and last year the Philadelphia Flyers acquired Chris Pronger.So while all the chatter leading up to the
draft usually goes unfulfilled, there is certainly franchise-changing activity
every year.With that in mind, we look
at some of the big names who may change teams in late June.

Tomas Kaberle- It seems that Kaberle has been the subject of
trade rumors forever.Could this draft finally
be the end of his time in Toronto?It’s certainly possible, but Brian Burke’s
demands, a second-round pick and/or impact forward, seem to be a bit farfetched
at this point.Burke likes to build from
the blue line out, and he’s collected a surplus of defensemen.If he sees a reasonable offer, it would make sense
for him to accept.It won’t be from the
Rangers though.

Jason Spezza- Spezza has the talent to be a top center in
the NHL, but thus far his career has been a disappointment.Spezza’s attitude and commitment have been
questioned frequently and there are rumblings that Ottawa has grown tired of his act.A change of scenery could be exactly what both
parties need.Spezza’s situation is
somewhat reminiscent of Joe Thornton’s with Boston,
and it wouldn’t be shocking to see him flourish in a new city.Ottawa
could be interested in moving him, but the price would probably be fairly
steep.However, if Ottawa’s problems with Spezza are as
deep-seeded as some believe, perhaps he could be had at a discount.Glen Sather will certainly monitor this
situation, but unless Wade Redden is buried in the minors or Michal Roszival
(plus more) go the other way, he won’t be able to make the deal.

Sheldon Souray- Souray is possibly the only player mentioned
in trade rumors more often than Kaberle.Souray’s injury problems have diminished his value, but he is still an
elite power play quarterback.The
Rangers are constantly linked to Souray, but whether they have legitimate
interest is unknown.Souray has two
years and nearly $11 million left on his contract, so if Sather were interested
in acquiring the 33 year-old defensemen, Redden or Roszival would have to be
moved or demoted.

Kris Versteeg/Patrick Sharp- One of the Blackhawks duo is
likely to be dealt this offseason given Chicago’s
cap woes.The draft is the most sensible
time for Chicago
to pull the trigger on a deal, as they will seek to add young prospects who
won’t count against the cap.The whole
league knows about Chicago’s
problems, so GM Stan Bowman will have an expensive phone bill leading up to the
draft.Either player will probably cost
a second-round pick.Sather again will
be very interested, but since Chicago
can’t take any money back, it would be difficult for him to complete a
trade.Sather might be willing to part
with his second-round choice, but that would be a very controversial decision
given the Rangers “commitment” to growing from within and lack of a third-round
pick.

Tim Thomas- The Bruins have made it clear that Tuukka Rask
is their goalie of the present and future.Despite Thomas’s success in Boston,
his time there is at an end.If Boston can find a taker
for the last three years, $15 million of his contract, they will jump on the
offer.

Cristobal Huet- Just like the Bruins, the Blackhawks have
handed the reigns over to a young goalie in Antti Niemi.Huet’s contract makes it unlikely that he is
movable, and Chicago
may be forced to bury him in the minors.

Carey Price/Jaroslav Halak- The Canadiens insist that they
want to keep both of their young netminders, but their financial situation make
that an unlikely scenario.Either would
command a hefty return, and as we wrote a few weeks ago, the Flyers would be
very interested.If Price or Halak is
traded at the draft, it would be the most significant news of the day.